Easy Chicken Skillet Dinner

(because sometimes dinner just needs to happen before someone cries… again.)

You know those evenings when you swear you’re starring in a sitcom? Mine started with my toddler feeding the dog his mac and cheese, my older kid refusing to eat anything “with sauce,” and me realizing I’d forgotten to defrost literally anything. Oh, and my husband texted, “Running late.” Of course.

That’s when my chicken skillet dinner swooped in to save the night — my go-to for chaotic evenings when everyone’s hungry, the kitchen’s a mess, and I need something fast, comforting, and all in one pan.

I was five minutes away from calling cereal “dinner” when I remembered my trusty chicken skillet dinner — one of those “I don’t have it together, but I can make it look like I do” chicken recipes. It’s fast, flavorful, and all happens in one pan (which, let’s be honest, is the real victory here).

So pour yourself that glass of wine, friend. Here’s my go-to easy chicken skillet dinner for when life’s a circus and you still want something that qualifies as an actual meal. This quick and easy chicken skillet dinner takes about 25 minutes and uses just one pan.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if that’s what you found hiding in the freezer)
  
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  
• 1 teaspoon paprika
  
• Salt and pepper to taste
  
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (or honestly, whatever’s not wrinkly yet)
  
• 1 cup spinach
  
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan
  
• ¼ cup chicken broth (or water + wishful thinking)
  

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
  
• Tongs or spatula
  
• Measuring spoons
  
• Cutting board and knife
  
• Plate or serving dish
  

Instructions:

Step 1: 

Heat it up! Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Take a sip of wine — you’ve earned it.

Step 2:

Season and sizzle! Rub chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add it to the pan and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 3: 

Add the good stuff! Toss in cherry tomatoes and chicken broth. Let it simmer a few minutes until the tomatoes start to burst and your kitchen smells like you have your life together.

Step 4: 

Sneak in greens! Add spinach until it wilts. Sprinkle cheese on top because cheese fixes everything — especially picky eaters’ attitudes.

Step 5:

Serve and breathe! Plate it up, drizzle any pan juices on top, and pretend you didn’t just throw this together between tantrums.

What to Serve With Chicken Skillet Dinner

Pair this quick, hearty chicken skillet dinner with a sweet finish like Cookies and Cream Pizookie, a creamy Strawberry Banana Pudding, or a fun drink like Black Superman Drink. These pairings make dinner feel like a complete, indulgent family meal while keeping weeknight prep minimal and stress-free.

 Mom-Style Tips

• Missing an ingredient? No problem. Substitute veggies freely — zucchini, bell peppers, even frozen peas count as “fresh” in my book.
  
• Make it ahead: This one-pan chicken recipe reheats beautifully. Perfect for nights when soccer practice goes way longer than expected.
  
• Serving idea: Pair it with rice, pasta, or whatever carb your kids will currently eat without protest.
  

FAQ:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy.

Can I swap the spinach for another veggie?

Absolutely. Zucchini, bell peppers, or even frozen peas all work perfectly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This skillet dinner reheats well, making it perfect for busy evenings.

What can I serve it with?

Rice, pasta, or a simple carb your kids will actually eat pairs well.

Can I add more flavor?

Sure! Fresh herbs like thyme or basil, a squeeze of lemon, or a pinch of chili flakes add extra depth.

Why I Love It

There are a million chicken recipes out there, but this one? It’s real-mom approved. It’s one of those easy chicken dinner ideas that don’t require a culinary degree or a clean kitchen. It’s hearty, forgiving, and foolproof — which, conveniently, describes my parenting style on most days.

If you’re on the hunt for quick chicken skillet meals that save your evening (and your sanity), this one’s your ticket. Out of all my chicken recipes, this is the one I come back to again and again — mostly because it pairs perfectly with bedtime chaos and a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio.

So here’s to us, the multitasking miracle-workers who keep everyone fed and (mostly) happy.

Now if only bedtime were as easy as this chicken recipe.